Buff Me Beautiful: Clarisonic Mia 2 Review

As Ariel Would Say.....
'I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty

I've got whozits and whatzits galore

You want thingamabobs?

I've got twenty!

But who cares?

No big deal

I want more'

I have a lot of beauty gadgets, but on my Christmas list this year was a very special tool! Something I lusted after but could never justify spending that kind of money on a tooth brush for my face. Santa was kind, he obviously agreed my skin needs a good scrubbing. 

What they say: The Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the action removes more makeup and more dirt and sebum than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and sebum from your pores also helps prepare for a better skin care regime.

Clarasonic Mia 2

Clarisonic Mia 2

My skin is extremely oily, having suffered from acne since the tender age of fourteen I suffer from scarring and painful spots. I was worried that after using the Clarisonic and once my skin was squeaky clean, my skin would over compensate and create more oil and in turn spots. However, I was pleasantly surprised. For those of you who suffer the same you need to read this review.

On first impression the gizmo looks as I said, like a face toothbrush. After wetting the bristles and my face I put a pea size amount of Lancome Gel Eclat, a fantastic foaming cleanser, onto the bush and turn it on.

Clarisonic recommend rubbing the bristles over each part of your face for twenty seconds, but I use it for a bit longer. Once the brush has automatically finished I rinse my face with clean water and pat dry. 

One negative is the noise it makes, it is quite a lot louder than an electric toothbrush but on the other hand my skin feels smooth, fresh and super clean! I like to use it in the shower to save time and it is fully waterproof!! I have noticed an incredible difference in my skin. The scaring has started to fade and I am definitely suffering from less breakouts. I tend to only use it once a day, or if it is making my skin feel really dry I do it on alternative days. 

Clarisonic Mia 2, £125 HERE

Lancome Gel Eclat Clarifying Cleanser Pearly Foam, £22 HERE

Has anyone else been using a Clarisonic? Have you seen a difference?

Stay beautiful

xoxo

Pastel Power: L'Oréal Paris Feria Pastel Toning Conditioner in Pink Panther

A/W 13 Fashion Week was jam packed full of ambitious hairstyles. Some you would wear to the office and some you just wouldn't. Perhaps the Givenchy show in Paris is one of the latter.

A/W 13 Givenchy

But, never one to give up on a trend I thought I would give it a go. Armed with my latex gloves and a tube full of pink toner I set to the challenge. I used L'Oréal Paris Feria Pastel Toning Conditioner in Pink Panther, hoping to get beautiful dip dyed ends that would make my hipster sister jealous. The directions say to leave it on for 15 minutes, but after 30 I felt the toner had sufficient time to sink into my porous, damaged tips. I was surprised to see the water running off the hair was clear, so I wasn't expecting brilliant results.

Once I dried my hair, this was the result.

You can see some hint of pink...

My verdict on this is pretty underwhelming. It washed out after one wash, but if you want it for a festival or party then it would be perfect. I did get a lot of compliments. The girls in the Vogue office loved it so much they asked me to write it on the blog, you can see that HERE.  The L'Oreal Paris Feria Pastel Toning Conditioner in Pink Panther is £5.79, available from boots or HERE.

 Stay beautiful,

XOXO

Sun, Sea and Tinted Moisturiser: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free

When make up guru's used the term 'tinted moisturiser' I would instantly start back tracking, friend, foe or make up counter - I want no part in it.  Firstly, I have acne prone skin with red scar marks that are too difficult to hide without a heavy-duty foundation. Tinted moisturiser leaves my skin feeling oily, patchy and without any coverage. This is not to say I haven't dipped my toe into the tinted pool and tested the water. I have just never found one I got on with.

This Christmas I had a Barbie on the beach and wearing factor 50 in Australia, it was heavenly. But before I left I had the agonising task of what make up to take with me. Foundation is too heavy for hot countries and it has been known to slide down the face.  Someone at work suggested I have another go with a tinted moisturiser.

Tinted moisturisers seem to come in and out of fashion, usually around summer time when we all would love to go out make up free but feel naked if we do. There are so many different types out there and each brand has its own variety claiming to do different things. 

So I tried it. Warning: This post contains a very unattractive photo of me without makeup and without the use of filters. 

The tube that the product comes in is fairly large, which is good because you feel you are getting more for your money. There are also twelve shades to choose from and that makes it slightly easier to match it to the skin, especially if you have pale skin like mine. It also comes with added spf 20 and that is great for sensitive complexions. I didn’t use any added spf in Australia and I escaped any painful sun burn for the whole trip.

The best thing about Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturiser is that it has a relatively thick consistency. I could easily apply it with my fingers, but I like using brushes for even application and to buff the cream into the skin. Unlike a lot of tinted moisturisers it has a thick creamy texture meaning the coverage is great and it really hid my blemishes.

I love this product so much that this is a photo of my skin without anything on it and without any filters. As you can see it is blotchy and uneven. Apologies I look so awful and grumpy, it was very early!

The next photo is me with only one layer of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser and without any concealer.

You may wonder why I have exposed such an unattractive photo of myself to you all. The reason is that I LOVE this product and I want my readers to see just how good it is. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturise Oil Free is available from stores such as John Lewis and House of Fraser and is £33.

Stay beautiful,

XOXO

When there's no Internet... Paint your nails

So I'm moving flats, my Internet has been cut off and my DVDs are all packed away. The only thing to keep me entertained is digging into my treasure trove of nail polish. I dug out some old friends.

Topshop is one of my all time favourite polish brands. The colours are really vivid and they last a good few days without chipping - with a good top coat.

I first applied a base coat so that the colour can be applied smoothly and evenly. After applying Easy Breezy I took a hair grip and dipped it into Heart Of Gold and drew triangles and dots onto the nail.

I think they look pretty cute!

Stay beautiful,
Pixie xoxo

Chubby is sooo in right now...Clinique Chubby Stick Review

I very rarely wear lipstick during the day, mainly because I am lazy and can't be bothered to top it up. But with the lovely sunshine we have been having my lips are quite dry. If you follow the beauty news you will have heard of the new Clinique Chubby Sticks. These are basically posh lip balms with a selection of really gorgeous colours - I do love a good lip balm.

With 16 different shades in the collection I have three to show you. From left to right - Chunky Cherry, Woppin' Watermelon and Super Strawberry. 

Super Strawberry, Chunky Cherry, Woppin' Watermelon

The balms come with a crayon like tip for bold application  and although the colour is rather sheer it can be built upon. I love how easy these are to apply, no messy blotting that you do with lipsticks. The moisturising aspect is fab as well. Clinique has really developed the ultimate lip balm that is almost like a handbag accessory.

I am slightly obssesed with Wopping Watermelon at the moment and my lips are kissably soft ;). At £16 quid a pop the Chubby Stick's aren't cheap, but I do honestly think they are worth the money. Have you tried them?

You can buy them here - Clinique

Stay beautiful,
Pixie xoxo

Back With A Bit of Glitter: Carita Fluide De Beaute

First, this post must start with an apology. I have been so wrapped up in the world of interning in the beauty world that I have neglected my blog. Now that I am back in the realm of unemployment I can start doing what I love. 

I have so many things I want to write about, from a miracle foundation to a a drug store super mascara. Watch this space!

When I am looking for a new beauty must have I firstly look at the packaging. Something that is pleasing to the eye encourages us to buy. Marketing has a strong influence on the female psyche, meaning we like pretty things. The brand Carita is not one I had ever heard of, one of the reasons for this is the price tag. The brand is famous for its Diamond De Beaute creams, which can set you back a tidy £430 pounds and has been featured in plenty of glossies. Usually the products can be found in the bathrooms of celebrities and rich Persian women.

At the moment the trend for hair oil doesn't look like it will be stoping any time soon. So not wanting to miss a trend I managed to get my hands on a hero product of theirs - Gold Fluide De Beaute 14. The tag line is that is nourishes very dry hair and skin leaving it supple with a golden veil.  Oooohhh (*squeel*)

Lets start with the packaging....WOW! It is pretty b.e.a.utiful. The classic square design of the bottle does not distract from the elegant way the gold particles are separated from the oil, making a pretty french looking product. Once you shake it up and mix the oil the effect is quite impressive. It smells quite zingy and citrusy, but you do need more than a couple of drops if you are using it in your hair.

So what did I think...

Well although I love the packaging and smell, I havent found it has done much to my hair. I have been using it every day and I am yet to gain a golden veil of any kind. It's quite disappointing when a 50ml bottle costs £27.00. I will be keeping it in my bathroom cabinate though, I think it makes me look tres chic!

If you want to try it you can buy it here....CARITA

Stay beautiful

xoxo

Hot gossip:

Another nail post, but this one is a must see! When I thought of a Gossip Girl collaboration with Nails Inc I wasn't sure quite what to expect....the packaging is all be it cheap looking, with some snap shots of the stars  superimposed onto the front. Big BUT....do not let this first impression fool you! The nail varnishes them selves are quite possibly the best things ever invented!

The first set I was to try was the Lily Collection. It contains two sets of varnishes, 'Lily' plum black and 'High Society' overglaze for a whopping £20. I first applied a base coat of Nails Inc's own 'Kensington Caviar' so that the plum black didn't stain my nails. 

Next apply the middle coat of 'Lilly' plum black, I found that one coat was enough to cover the whole nail. It is smooth and dries really quickly. 

Lastly, the fun part. The 'High Society" overglaze is actually AMAZING! One coat to blast your nails into epic, futuristic, holographic proportions!! It took a few seconds to dry and I added a top coat to give it an nice gloss. 

I am actually in love with this stuff, I can't fault it one bit. The varnishes went on really easily and dried within seconds, meaning I didn't have to flap my hand around. It would be even better if I didn't bite my nails.

TRY TRY TRY!!!!

10/10

Stay beautiful!
Pixie out xoxo

A little bit of heaven without the guilt complex!

All these dark, cold nights are starting to become a bit of a snore fest. You can't go out on nights out without a coat and the sunshine we do get seems to be scared of commitment.

Tonight was one of those nights, nothing good was on the telle and I have watched every DVD my flat owns. I decided to run myself a bath and try out the Motange Jeuneess Hot Chocolate SelfWarming masque. Firstly, they are more than generous with the amount of product that is in the packets, enough there to keep and use a second time. It smells totally amazing and the true test is not licking your lips, it doesn't taste that great.

After smoothing it over my face I sat back in my bubble bath and let the chocolate do its thing. The self warming aspect is great for those chilly nights and made my face tingle. It dries quite quickly and after 10 minutes I washed it off and patted my face dry.

The results are quite surprising for a £1 face mask. My face was smooth and felt clean, a bonus when you live in grubby London where your face is constantly attacked by grime. I would recommend this for a cheap indulgence and it's great for that little night in. I can't wait to try some others from the range!

Available from Boots and Superdrug.

Stay beautiful!
Pixie xoxo

I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus, so he bribed me with a GlossyBox!

This month GlossyBox has stepped up its game, what with its PR push at The Clothes Show Live this month and various newspaper advertorials. I must say I am rather pleased for the company, the concept of GlossyBox is something I firstly thought was exciting and original. But slowly I am discovering that there are many other brands trying to do the same thing. I love my GlossyBox and this month the box is Christmas themed!

Look, Look!!! It is seriously pretty and im going to sound silly but the box is actually amazing, red and glossy so Santa would be proud. As always it is the packaging that really sets GlossyBox apart from the other mail order sample companies.

So now on to the contents of my lovely box. I have never heard of any of this months products so it was nice to be introduced to something new to try. I started with Cargo Cosmetics classic lip gloss in Las Vegas (£10, Cargo Cosmetics). It is a dusty pink with a slight gloss, perfect for those who like a more subtle lip colour. The gloss is high-shine but the best thing is that it isn't really sticky. I am not usually a big fan of lip gloss, I hate it when my hair gets stuck on my lips.




Next there is the Rituals Yogi Flow foaming shower gel (£6.50, Rituals). The smell of this is supposed to be indian rose and sweet almond. To me it smells pretty much like all other shower gels, the cool part is that it is foamy and you can make yourself look like Father Christmas with a foamy beard when you shower :D.




I love all nail varnish, so the Deborah Lippmann, Razzle Dazzle (£16, House of Fraser) is perfect for the Christmas period. It is a dark cranberry red, with flecks of red glitter. It may not be an every day colour but I am into anything glittery and this varnish makes Dorothy's shoes look so dull! I didn't put a top coat on and it chipped the next day, so to make it last add a clear coat to seal the deal.



I have quite oily skin, which is prone to spots and red marks. The FAB face cleanser (£13.00, Boots) claims to reduce redness with regular use so I will wait to see how this one tackles my problem skin. For now the product seems to leave the skin refreshed and smooth although it doesn't have a fragrance.




Lastly, my favourite product. The full size Nouvea Lash mascara in Noir (£14, Nouveau Lashes) comes in an expensive, profesional looking box and glides on to the lashes without weighing them down. I was surprised to find out it was relatively cheap for a mascara because it looks quite lux. I will however be sticking to my trusty MAC Studio Fix mascara for now.



If you got a GlossyBox then do get in touch. I would love to know what you all think.

For now, stay beautiful!

Pixie xoxo

It's a nail thing!

A quick post this evening!

Nail wraps seem to be everywhere at the moment. You can't open a magazine without seeing an ad for Nail Rock or other similar things. To be honest at first I was a little sceptical. It seemed like such a silly idea, who would buy little stickers for their nails when nail varnish works just fine? Girls With Attitude have some fab patterns to choose from and non of them will break the bank. I decided to go for Glamour To Go Glitter Cheetah (£3.50, Girls With Attitude Online) because they were all glittery!

What I love about these little beauties is that they take less than 5 minutes to apply and look pretty damn snazzy!! The only down size is that some of them were a tad too small for my nails and they are a little bit fiddly to trim and stick down, but the still look pretty :). Add a clear top coat to make them last longer and to give the nails an extra gloss.

Stay beautiful!
Pixie xoxo

Take a leaf out of Cleo's book and be the queen of seduction!

Today's post was requested by a special friend of mine who is still searching for her Mr Right. Maybe this festive holiday will bring the gift she deserves. So in saying that this is her guide for the perfect date make up with a few chosen ingredients.

First we must consider the environment of said date. If it is a flirtatious lunch or in fact any situation that involves day light then it is best not to go too vampy. The come to bed, smokey eye is not a look to rock and you may end up looking like a cheap hooker searching for her next punter. So my advice is to go flirty and girly.

So once you have created your base face with a trusted foundation, try adding a thin line of black liner to your top lid, perhaps add a cat flick to the ends if you are feeling cheeky. I like to add a bit of liner to the top inside lid as this helps to give the illusion of full lashes. The best liner I have tested is Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Gel Liner (£16.50, House of Fraser) which comes in a little pot and lasts all day. I'm also a massive fan of fake eyelashes, you can't really go wrong with them. For a subtle day time look I recommend Girls With Attitude, Double Take False Lashes (£5.00, Girls With Attitude Online). These are fuller than the usual false eyelash but they look amazingly natural. I even used Emma Lashes for my graduation :). The easiest way to apply them is using tweezers and looking down in a mirror. Finish the look off with some statement lips, this will draw his eyes to them and hopefully he will want to kiss them ;). I like Topshop's Brighton Rock for its girly, soft pinks (£8.00, Topshop Online/Instore).

If you are going on a night date where there will be loads of other girls then a different approach is needed. You want to make sure his eyes are firmly glued to you and that they do not wander off. Take a leaf out of Cleopatera's papyrus book little black book of makeup. Charcoal may not be the tool of choice today but she knew a thing or two about the drama of the smoky eye. Again, not me suggesting you ladies buy some coal and rub it on your face. Instead opt for a soft eye crayon. The Topshop Eye Crayon in Equinox, which I recommended in a previous review is great for this look.  This allows you to blend into the sockets using a brush or your trusty finger. This gives a softer, sexier look and it makes your eyes smoulder. Perfect for the woman of mystery look. Don't panic if you're not a make up maestro. Most of us aren't but these little recommendations are what I personally use and if a fat fingered girl like me can do it so can you. Start buy drawing a thick line above your lashes from the inside corner to the outside. Next in the outside corner draw a small < sign following the contor of your socket bone. Once you are satisfied you look pretty stupid, buff the liner across the rest of your lid with the brush or finger. This should give the illusion of wider eyes because the inside corners should be lighter than the outside. Apply some thicker, but natural lashes to finish the look. Girls With Attitude- Glamour To Go Party Animal Lashes 002 are perfect (£5.00, Girls With Attitude Online) .  If you want to get Ito the festive season then dust Barry M Fine Glitter Dust in Black Gold (£4.59, Boots) over the eye for added sparkle. It's best to keep lip colour subtle so that your eyes are the focus point on the face.

Let me know what you think!

Stay beautiful,
Pixie out xoxo

Damn, that wicked witch of the west knew good shoes!

When I got the invite to the exclusive Kurt Geiger evening saying I was a tad excited is a bit of an understatement. A girlie night wouldn't be complete without a round of cosmopolitans to kick of the night of being fabulous. We headed to Covent Garden and one of my favourite stores, the shoe chandelier is something I aspire to have in my house one day. Upon entering we were greeted by immaculately dressed and simply beautiful women who offered us a glass of bubbly before ushering us into the inner sanctum of shoe worshiping.

I wandered round lightly stroking some of the shoes and feeling my purse recoil inside my bag. Taking a break from the beautiful and absorbing shoes, I moved towards the Lash Perfect Lash Bar where some women were waiting to make us beautiful. Feeling a bit rebellious I thought I would let the lady choose the La La Lashes for me. They were full and luscious, brilliant for a night out (shame I wasn't due one). You can find the Lash Bar just off Carnaby Street and is £7.50 for some falsies.

Next I decided to try on some shoes and settled on some Dorothy would have been proud of and removed them before I got burnt. Very sexy non the less. Bob tried some Christmasy little numbers which really stole the show and I urged her to give in to the KG effect.

As the night wore on and the shoe glitter made the world seem a little shinier I felt it was a good time to trust the hair bar to have a go at my barnet. I sat with my glass of bubbly and enjoyed feeling like someone special. Every girl likes to feel like a princess once in a while and for those few moments I felt like a celeb getting ready for her fans :).

Two princess' moved into the cold, wintery night and headed home to their castle rather than a night on the town. I was fun while it lasted :)


Pixie out xoxo

Crayons...for grown ups!

I first stumbled upon TopShop's makeup range last summer. I had just moved to London fresh from university and I had bagged an internship at Look Magazine. Naturally, I expected everyone at Look towers to be polished, poised and perfect. A daunting prospect for little old me. So I headed to the shinny corner of TS Oxford Street ready to give my make up bag an overhaul and found the perfect eye accessory. The TopShop eye crayons.

This year these crayons come in two very different colours Equinox and Zephyr. I have splashed out on both for testing purposes obviously ;) They are £8.50 from TopShop

These are my new favourite eye shadows. They are perfect for block colour on your lids or they blend equally well for a smokey look.

Zephyr

This colour is something special. It glides on so smoothly and shines in all the right places. I use it for both the day and the night because it is so versatile and can be built up to suit your need.

Equinox

Again a super colour :)

The only downside is that they do crease after a while and need to be topped up to keep it perky.

All in all they are F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C. and totally brilliant for the on coming party season to add a bit of sparkle. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

Let me know what you think!

Pixie out xoxo